Alvarez promises fireworks for Golovkin bout

Sport

Monday 19 June 2017 - 8:45pm

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LONDON - Mexican Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez believes there is likely to be a knockout when he challenges Kazakhstan legend Gennady Golovkin on September 16th for three versions of the world middleweight title in Las Vegas.

"I'm going to have to be smart and elusive to avoid his punches. He's very powerful if you stand in front of him."

Golovkin, 35, has made 18 consecutive world middleweight title defences but was given his toughest test yet in his last outing against Jacobs.

The Kazakh admits Alvarez will be an even more difficult opponent.

"This is the most difficult," said Golovkin.

"Canelo is ready, 100 per cent. I know him, he's the best. I have a plan, my coach Abel Sanchez has a new idea.

"His power, his timing, he has a good team, he lives well, he has everything. He's tough."

Fighting the very best

It was all very respectful and the most interesting point of the press conference came when British pugilist Billy Joe Saunders, the WBO world middleweight champion who was sitting among journalists, asked Alvarez why he had relinquished the WBC title and not fought Golovkin sooner.

"There were a lot of conditions from the WBC and a timeline, they put conditions in the purse split," said Alvarez through a translator.

"I had a court case in Miami and they wanted to negotiate with them (Golovkin's management team) within 15 days. I couldn't do it."

Saunders asked if he could fight the winner, but Golovkin was non committal.

"You talk too much, you are a boxer, not a promoter," said Golovkin addressing Saunders.

The lack of trash-talking between Golovkin and Alvarez will contrast to the build up of the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and UFC star Conor McGregor who clash in the same Las Vegas venue on August 26.

Mayweather is returning from two years 'retired' to face Irishman McGregor and, despite the questionable competitiveness of the contest it is expected to generate more global interest and revenue.

Mayweather-McGregor could make more than the record $623.5 million made when Mayweather beat Pacquiao in a world welterweight title unification fight.